RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Disrupted prevention: condom and contraception access and use among young adults during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey
JF BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health
JO BMJ Sex Reprod Health
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP 269
OP 276
DO 10.1136/bmjsrh-2020-200975
VO 47
IS 4
A1 Lewis, Ruth
A1 Blake, Carolyn
A1 Shimonovich, Michal
A1 Coia, Nicky
A1 Duffy, Johann
A1 Kerr, Yvonne
A1 Wilson, Jill
A1 Graham, Cynthia Ann
A1 Mitchell, Kirstin R
YR 2021
UL http://jfprhc.bmj.com/content/47/4/269.abstract
AB Background The initial response to COVID-19 in the UK involved a rapid contraction of face-to-face sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and widespread use of remote workarounds. This study sought to illuminate young people’s experiences of accessing and using condoms and contraception in the early months of the pandemic.Methods We analysed data, including open-text responses, from an online survey conducted in June–July 2020 with a convenience sample of 2005 16–24-year-olds living in Scotland.Results Among those who used condoms and contraception, one quarter reported that COVID-19 mitigation measures had made a difference to their access or use. Open-text responses revealed a landscape of disrupted prevention, including changes to sexual risk-taking and preventive practices, unwanted contraceptive pathways, unmet need for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and switches from freely provided to commercially sold condoms and contraception. Pandemic-related barriers to accessing free condoms and contraception included: (1) uncertainty about the legitimacy of accessing SRH care and self-censorship of need; (2) confusion about differences between SRH care and advice received from healthcare professionals during the pandemic compared with routine practice; and (3) exacerbation of existing access barriers, alongside reduced social support and resources to navigate SRH care.Conclusions Emerging barriers to STI and pregnancy prevention within the context of COVID-19 have the potential to undermine positive SRH practices, and widen inequalities, among young people. As SRH services are restored amid evolving pandemic restrictions, messaging to support navigation of condom and contraception services should be co-created with young people.Data are available upon reasonable request. Participants in this study consented to sharing of anonymised data for research purposes only. The anonymised survey data will be deposited and made discoverable through the University of Glasgow Enlighten: Research data repository upon completion of the study (publication of main papers). Prior to that, researchers wishing to access the anonymised data can complete a data-sharing request for approval of the co-principal investigators.